CHURCH officials have announced a £1million scheme to replace North Baddesley's All Saints' Church - half a century after the original one was built.

The aim behind the new church at Rownhams Road is to enhance community spirit and make it easier for everyone - especially the disabled - to access services.

An appeal fund will be launched at All Saints' Church on Remembrance Sunday - November 14th - when parishioners' will be able to find out more about the proposals during a special service to mark 50 years worship at the church. Artist's impressions of the proposals will be on view during the service.

The first vicar of All Saints' Church, the Revd Ian Hamel-Cooke is due too attend the anniversary service along with Romsey's MP Sandra Gidley, borough mayor Neville Whiteley and Romsey's mayor Dorothy Baverstock.

All Saints' Church's vicar, the Revd Peter Sainsbury, said: "The church has a vision of being part of one family, providing for individual needs, a community that is loving and caring. The redeveloped site will create an atmosphere where people feel free to relax, explore and meet together as a community."

Facilities at the proposed church - which has to win diocesan and borough planning bosses approval - include additional and flexible meeting space for community meetings, a drop-in caf and improved hall equipment aimed at benefiting the whole neighbourhood.

The man behind the new church project is Dave Foster. He said: "The new building is going to be about a third bigger than the present church. We are hoping to include an improved meeting room and a drop-in area. It is estimated it will cost about £750,000 to build but by the time we get round to it, it will be about £1million. We hope to build it within two or three years."

All Saints' Church lay reader, Sally Kerson, added: "The community does need a focal point. The present church is a nightmare for people with disabilities. The new church should benefit everyone in the community."